Artificial intelligence is a mystery for many of us. Even those who have embraced AI may not really understand how it works. And, we can’t look into the future to understand the long-term impacts on relationships, industries, mental well-being, international relations, personal freedoms and many other areas.

With so many uncertainties, it is no surprise that fear accompanies the rise of AI. This fear is not unfounded. Even at this point in its development, there are both negative implications and nefarious uses of AI: job displacements, shifts in traditional education models, the rise of deep fakes that distort reality, and increased risks of sexual exploitation and trafficking. There are also ethical questions about who will benefit from AI advancements.

Jason Thacker points out in the cover article the subtle but profound shifts in how we understand our own identity as humans. Scripture is clear about the unique nature of being made by the Creator in his image. As AI becomes more and more integrated in our lives, it will be important to be clear about what it means to be human and to be faithful to God in how he designed us to live.

At the same time, AI carries tremendous redemptive potential, including opportunities to advance human flourishing and build God’s kingdom. Evangelical Christians are already stepping into this space, working to integrate AI in Bible translation efforts, promote flourishing, expand outreach and more.

For Christians, one thing seems essential in the advancement and application of AI: keeping human beings and human flourishing at the center. This is a priority that God’s people, in particular, can champion. Who else will prioritize people over productivity? Who else will remember the poor over the accumulation of wealth and power? Who will remind society about Whom people were created by and for?

As Nicole Martin writes, we are called to be stewards of God’s creation, and this includes the use of technologies like artificial intelligence. We were made by the Creator, in his image, for relationship and called to a purpose (Romans 8:28). This magazine cannot cover every aspect of AI, but we hope to bring some clarity and to spark meaningful conversations about the ethical, spiritual and practical implications of AI.